Departures

A poem a day through the season of Lent

Leaving for treatment
a year ago today, we checked in
at the airport, went through security, 
and I watched as your eyes met every
person you encountered. I saw the 
yearning for connection. As if you knew 
that we are all dying. As if you wanted 
to relay how much it hurts, these
departures from all that we know 
and love. As if assurance might be 
found in the simple acknowledgment of
a stranger. As if you wanted to recognize
the infinite beauty of every precious 
soul. Including your own. 

Laguna Bacalar, Mexico